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Home » Recipe Collections

30 Slow Cooker Recipes Perfect for Holiday Prep

Published: Dec 5, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Slow cooker recipes are great for holiday prep because they let you focus on the festivities instead of standing over the stove all day. With everything from hearty mains to crowd-pleasing sides, these recipes help you get ahead of the chaos and still serve up meals everyone will love. Whether you're hosting a big family gathering or just trying to keep things low-stress, the slow cooker is your secret weapon for making the holidays feel a little easier—and a lot more fun.

An image of pork roast.
Pork Roast. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Green Bean Casserole

An overhead image of slow cooker green bean casserole on a plate.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This slow cooker green bean casserole makes holiday prep seamless with creamy textures and an effortless process. With just 10 minutes of prep, it’s a convenient way to serve a classic side dish.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Black Bean Soup

An image of slow cooker black bean soup in a bowl with toppings.
Black Bean Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker black bean soup is a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy holiday schedules. The rich flavors come together effortlessly while you focus on other tasks.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Soup

Spaghetti Squash

A halved spaghetti squash on a plate with a fork scooping out the stringy, cooked flesh.
Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cooking spaghetti squash in the slow cooker is a no-fuss way to prepare this wholesome vegetable. Let the cooker handle the work while you free up time for holiday preparations.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash

Potato Soup

A bowl of slow cooker potato soup.
Potato Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker potato soup delivers creamy comfort and bold flavors with minimal effort. This makes it a perfect dinner option when holiday tasks take up your day.
Get the Recipe: Potato Soup

Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of two bowls of mac and cheese with a fork beside each.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mac and cheese in the slow cooker is an easy way to achieve a creamy, cheesy dish everyone loves. It’s a simple solution for comfort food during busy holiday prep.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Pork Roast

Pork Roast. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Slow cooker pork roast, seasoned with herbs and spices, is a great choice for hearty family dinners. It’s an effortless way to bring warmth and flavor to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Pork Roast

Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple cider brined turkey breast combines ease with traditional holiday flavors for a memorable main course. The slow cooker ensures a tender, flavorful dish with minimal hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Cheesy Penne

Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne with meat sauce and parmesan cheese.
Cheesy Penne. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Cheesy penne in a beefy tomato sauce is a family-friendly slow cooker meal that’s simple to make. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this recipe brings ease and satisfaction to the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Penne

Swiss Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops on a baby blue serving dish.
Swiss Pork Chops. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tender pork chops in the slow cooker create a flavorful dish everyone will appreciate. Just set it and forget it, leaving you more time for holiday activities.
Get the Recipe: Swiss Pork Chops

Boneless Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast on a plate with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes and a roll.
Boneless Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Boneless turkey breast with gravy is a practical choice for small gatherings or holiday dinners. The slow cooker simplifies the process, delivering a comforting meal without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Boneless Turkey Breast

Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Country-style ribs with peach preserves, honey, and BBQ sauce make an easy and flavorful slow cooker dish. Perfect for a holiday spread, they come together effortlessly while you prep other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Country Style Ribs

Beef and Broccoli

Slow cooker beef and broccoli with onion in brown bowl.
Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Beef and broccoli slow-cooked with ginger and garlic delivers takeout-inspired flavors. It’s a convenient option for prepping holiday meals or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli

Beef Stroganoff

Crockpot beef stroganoff with wooden spoon.
Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Beef stroganoff in the slow cooker offers tender meat and a rich, creamy sauce. This dish is a stress-free way to prepare a satisfying holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff

Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Pork shoulder in a mustard BBQ sauce transforms into a tender, flavorful meal in the slow cooker. Serve it as pulled pork or with classic sides for a crowd-pleasing holiday dish.
Get the Recipe: Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Pulled Pork

Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pulled pork in the slow cooker is a straightforward meal perfect for fall dinners. Its simplicity makes it a practical option for holiday cooking.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork

Kabocha Squash Chili

A bowl of kabocha squash chili.
Kabocha Squash Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Kabocha squash chili in the slow cooker highlights seasonal produce in a filling vegetarian dish. A great choice for holiday gatherings, it’s hearty and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili

Beef Stew

Beef Stew. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Slow cooker beef stew delivers comforting flavors with tender meat and vegetables. This recipe is a hands-off way to create a holiday meal that feels homemade.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Pepper Steak

Pepper Steak. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pepper steak made in the slow cooker combines juicy beef and vibrant peppers for a flavorful dish. Serve it over rice or noodles for an easy holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pepper Steak

Brisket

Brisket. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker brisket is a simple yet impressive dish that results in tender, juicy meat. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s a recipe that makes entertaining easier.
Get the Recipe: Brisket

Salisbury Steak

White plate with salisbury steak on it and a mushroom on top of them.
Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Ground beef patties in a mushroom gravy cook to perfection in the slow cooker. This dish is a comforting choice for a hearty holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tomato lime chicken in the slow cooker pairs vibrant flavors with ease of preparation. It’s a great meal for fall that fits seamlessly into holiday planning.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken

Chili

Close-up of slow-cooker vegetarian chili.
Chili. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Slow cooker vegetarian chili offers a hearty, flavorful option for fall evenings. With minimal prep, it’s a stress-free choice for holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chili

Split Pea Soup with Sausage

Top view of slow cooker split pea soup with sausage in a bowl.
Split Pea Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Split pea soup with sausage in the slow cooker creates a rich, hearty dish perfect for cold days. This easy recipe makes holiday meal prep simple and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Split Pea Soup with Sausage

Bean with Bacon

Top view of slow cooker bean with bacon topped with crackers in a bowl.
Bean with Bacon. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Bean and bacon soup slow-cooked to perfection is a comforting meal for fall. It’s a hassle-free option that fits well into holiday planning.
Get the Recipe: Bean with Bacon

Ham & Potato Chowder

A blue bowl of ham and potato soup.
Ham & Potato Chowder. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Ham and potato chowder cooks in the slow cooker to creamy, satisfying perfection. This dish requires minimal prep, making it a great option for busy holiday nights.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Potato Chowder

Chicken Alfredo

Chicken pasta with sundried tomatoes and peas and garlic..
Chicken Alfredo. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Chicken Alfredo in the slow cooker is a comforting dinner with little hands-on time. It’s a practical choice for busy nights when you need a reliable holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo

Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Close-up image of slow cooker garlic parmesan chicken with a fork on a plate.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Slow cooker chicken recipes bring everyone together with hearty flavors and easy preparation. This recipe makes dinner a relaxed, enjoyable experience during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Chicken and Stuffing

Top view of crock pot chicken and stuffing in a white plate.
Chicken and Stuffing. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Chicken and stuffing in the slow cooker combines tender chicken with aromatic stuffing for a flavorful meal. It’s an effortless way to create a comforting dish during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing

Sausage and Peppers

Sausage and Peppers. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Sausage and peppers in the slow cooker mix savory sausages with fresh vegetables and marinara sauce. The slow cooking process fills your kitchen with inviting aromas, perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers

Lamb Ragu

a plate of slow cooker lamb ragu over pappardelle pasta surrounded by a block of parmesan, a white linen, and torn baguette.
Lamb Ragu. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Lamb ragu made in the slow cooker produces a rich sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. This recipe simplifies holiday prep while delivering a memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Ragu

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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